Standard Chartered has successfully wrapped up the Karachi United Youth Football League for the eighth consecutive year, reaffirming its long-term dedication to fostering sports among children and youth across Karachi. The 2025 edition of the league culminated with a closing ceremony that celebrated the participation of 1,400 young footballers, both boys and girls, hailing from underserved areas of the city.
Since its inception in 2017, this partnership between Standard Chartered and the Karachi United Foundation has grown into Pakistan’s largest youth football competition, engaging more than 9,000 players over the years. This year’s tournament alone saw 1,400 participants competing in a total of 204 matches played from October 2025 through early 2026, reflecting a significant scale and depth of community involvement.
The league’s core mission is to provide a platform for youth teams from marginalized communities to come together, break social barriers, and nurture a sporting culture rooted in healthy competition and camaraderie. By doing so, it not only promotes physical activity and athletic skills but also fosters values like teamwork, discipline, and confidence among participants.
Tasneem Mirza, Head of Community Impact & Engagement at Standard Chartered Pakistan, emphasized the importance of investing in initiatives that empower young people through sports. She noted, “Our partnership with the KU League reflects our belief in investing in platforms that bring young people together, empowers youth sports and fosters talent and opportunities for the next generation. Together with our partners, the SC KU Youth League experience has positively impacted over 9,000 children.”
Imran Ali, CEO of Karachi United, highlighted the remarkable growth and transformative impact of the league since its launch. He said, “Since its launch in 2017, the Youth League has grown from a small initiative involving just 540 boys and 92 girls into Pakistan’s largest youth football competition. Over eight seasons, we have engaged more than 9,000 young players—8000+ boys and 1200+ girls—while continuing to expand our reach into underprivileged and inner-city communities.”
He further noted that this year’s league not only increased in scale but deepened its social impact. “What sets the Youth League apart is our deliberate focus on inclusion, particularly increasing access for girls, strengthening community ownership, and integrating football with social action initiatives. The league has evolved beyond a tournament into a platform that builds confidence, nurtures talent, and creates meaningful opportunities for young people, proving the power of sport to drive long-term social change.”
The collaborative efforts between Standard Chartered and Karachi United have demonstrated how sustained partnerships can harness the power of sport to transform lives, especially in communities where access to structured sporting opportunities is limited. Through consistent investment and community engagement, the league is helping to build a more inclusive and vibrant youth sports culture in Karachi.
With growing participation each year and an emphasis on empowering marginalized youth, the Karachi United Youth Football League stands as a shining example of how sports can serve as a catalyst for social development, providing a pathway for young athletes to not only hone their skills but also contribute positively to their communities.
The ongoing success of this league underscores the role that corporate and civil society partnerships can play in fostering youth development and social cohesion through sports in Pakistan.
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